Accra: Mr. Mahama Ayariga, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has declared his commitment to spearhead a significant operation aimed at the full removal of the extensive waste heap at Agbogbloshie. The longstanding accumulation has been described as a pressing national issue that demands prompt action.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ayariga emphasized the urgency of addressing the waste situation, indicating that its removal is among his top priorities since he took office. He has already conducted three site visits in his initial week as the minister. Speaking at the official launch of the second ecumenical convention in Accra, themed 'United in Christ, transforming society through creation care,' he highlighted the magnitude of the waste, likening it to a 10-storey building, which has reinforced his resolve to eliminate it from Accra's core.
President John Dramani Mahama has tasked multiple ministries, including Local Government, Finance, Roads and Highways, and Defence, to collaborate in formulating a comprehensive plan for the waste heap's evacuation. The government has commenced resource mobilization for the operation, enlisting the Ghana Armed Forces, Jospong Group, and private contractors. The Minister noted that the logistics required are substantial due to the volume of waste and the necessity for safe relocation to an appropriate disposal facility.
Technical teams are currently assessing the waste volume using drones and artificial intelligence, which will aid in determining the resources needed, including trucks, equipment, and personnel. Mr. Ayariga noted the availability of approximately 200 dump trucks nationwide and instructed Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies to contribute trucks and operators for the task.
The waste will be transferred to an engineered landfill site off the Nsawam Road under more controlled and environmentally suitable conditions. The operation may run 24 hours a day to expedite the process, pending final plans and presidential consent. Mr. Ayariga acknowledged potential traffic disruptions on the Accra-Nsawam route due to the movement of waste but urged public understanding of the inconvenience as part of solving a significant national sanitation issue.
He called on citizens to maintain their surroundings and urged churches and faith-based groups to advocate for sanitation and environmental responsibility. The government is open to collaborating with religious bodies and other stakeholders to foster a culture of environmental cleanliness as a civic duty.
The operation aims not only to clear the existing waste heap but also to implement improved waste management practices to prevent future occurrences, underpinning the necessity for enhanced public accountability.